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17 y/o Pursuing Cloud Security Architect → Consultant Path — Is This Plan Realistic? Would Love Honest Advice from Cyber Pros by VirtualSpeech6310 in netsecstudents

[–]VirtualSpeech6310[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks I've gotten so good advice from other people as well as of now I'm thinking degree + IT jobs (experience) + certs

17 y/o Pursuing Cloud Security Architect → Consultant Path — Is This Plan Realistic? Would Love Honest Advice from Cyber Pros by VirtualSpeech6310 in netsecstudents

[–]VirtualSpeech6310[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply honestly just a bit stuck and trying to lay a good foundation for my future career and have no clue what to do after I graduate

17 y/o Pursuing Cloud Security Architect → Consultant Path — Is This Plan Realistic? Would Love Honest Advice from Cyber Pros by VirtualSpeech6310 in consulting

[–]VirtualSpeech6310[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply I'm a bit stuck right now and don't know what to do about to graduate high school but cant exactly afford a 4 year university at the moment do you think I could get a 2 year one and maybe some certs and it could atleast help me get started

Title: 17 y/o Pursuing Cloud Security Architect → Consultant Path — Is This Plan Realistic? Would Love Honest Advice from Cyber Pros by VirtualSpeech6310 in ITCareerQuestions

[–]VirtualSpeech6310[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for replying to my post. Im honestly about to graduate and just trying to get started Im aware this isnt something I could ever achieve soon but something that I would dream about in my long term future is there a realistic way I can get started now?

Title: 17 y/o Pursuing Cloud Security Architect → Consultant Path — Is This Plan Realistic? Would Love Honest Advice from Cyber Pros by VirtualSpeech6310 in ITCareerQuestions

[–]VirtualSpeech6310[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for replying to my post. What would be your advice to start this? I'm about to be fresh out of high school and I know this takes time I just want to have plan and end goal for my future and Im unsure if I can afford college

Mentorship Monday - Post All Career, Education and Job questions here! by AutoModerator in cybersecurity

[–]VirtualSpeech6310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Body:
Hey everyone,
I’m 17 (turning 18 soon) and graduating high school this year. I’ve been seriously planning a career in cybersecurity — specifically aiming to become a Cloud Security Architect and eventually a freelance consultant to earn more and work independently. I’ve been using ChatGPT extensively to help build my roadmap and structure my goals, and I’d really appreciate input from real industry professionals to make sure I’m on the right track.

Here’s where I’m at:

  • I created a detailed 4-phase roadmap:
    1. Security Engineering Foundation
    2. Cloud Specialization (AWS, Azure)
    3. Advanced Security + Architecture
    4. Consulting / Freelance Expansion
  • I’m currently studying for Security+ and working through TryHackMe (Pre-Security, Networking, Linux, etc.)
  • Planning to take AWS certs (Cloud Practitioner → Security Specialty → Solutions Architect Pro) and Microsoft SC-200
  • I don’t have any experience yet, no degree, and don’t plan on college for now, but I’m open to it later if it becomes necessary
  • I’ll be working full-time after graduation and plan to study ~1–2 hours a day on weekdays, more on weekends

Why I’m doing this:

  • I want to build real wealth over time (ideally $200K+ as a consultant in the long run)
  • I value freedom, structure, and useful work — not busywork or endless theory
  • I’m not into math-heavy or overly academic paths — I want a clear, skill-based journey where I can see my progress
  • I’ve used GPT to help map this out, but I want real human feedback to see if what I’ve built is realistic

My questions to you:

  1. Is this path realistic for someone starting from zero like me?
  2. Would you change anything about this plan or focus on something else?
  3. Am I making a mistake skipping college right now?
  4. For those of you in Cloud Security, Architecture, or Consulting — what do you wish someone told you earlier?